101
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Kim EG, Kim KM. Strategies and Advancement in Antibody-Drug Conjugate Optimization for Targeted Cancer Therapeutics. Biomol Ther (Seoul) 2015; 23:493-509. [PMID: 26535074 PMCID: PMC4624065 DOI: 10.4062/biomolther.2015.116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 110] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2015] [Revised: 09/16/2015] [Accepted: 09/23/2015] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Antibody-drug conjugates utilize the antibody as a delivery vehicle for highly potent cytotoxic molecules with specificity for tumor-associated antigens for cancer therapy. Critical parameters that govern successful antibody-drug conjugate development for clinical use include the selection of the tumor target antigen, the antibody against the target, the cytotoxic molecule, the linker bridging the cytotoxic molecule and the antibody, and the conjugation chemistry used for the attachment of the cytotoxic molecule to the antibody. Advancements in these core antibody-drug conjugate technology are reflected by recent approval of Adectris(®) (anti-CD30-drug conjugate) and Kadcyla(®) (anti-HER2 drug conjugate). The potential approval of an anti-CD22 conjugate and promising new clinical data for anti-CD19 and anti-CD33 conjugates are additional advancements. Enrichment of antibody-drug conjugates with newly developed potent cytotoxic molecules and linkers are also in the pipeline for various tumor targets. However, the complexity of antibody-drug conjugate components, conjugation methods, and off-target toxicities still pose challenges for the strategic design of antibody-drug conjugates to achieve their fullest therapeutic potential. This review will discuss the emergence of clinical antibody-drug conjugates, current trends in optimization strategies, and recent study results for antibody-drug conjugates that have incorporated the latest optimization strategies. Future challenges and perspectives toward making antibody-drug conjugates more amendable for broader disease indications are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eunhee G. Kim
- Department of Systems Immunology, College of Biomedical Science, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon 24341,
Republic of Korea
| | - Kristine M. Kim
- Department of Systems Immunology, College of Biomedical Science, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon 24341,
Republic of Korea
- Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon 24341,
Republic of Korea
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102
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Akash MSH, Rehman K, Parveen A, Ibrahim M. Antibody-drug conjugates as drug carrier systems for bioactive agents. INT J POLYM MATER PO 2015. [DOI: 10.1080/00914037.2015.1038818] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
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103
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Kostova V, Dransart E, Azoulay M, Brulle L, Bai SK, Florent JC, Johannes L, Schmidt F. Targeted Shiga toxin-drug conjugates prepared via Cu-free click chemistry. Bioorg Med Chem 2015; 23:7150-7. [PMID: 26507432 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2015.10.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2015] [Revised: 10/05/2015] [Accepted: 10/06/2015] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The main drawback of the anticancer chemotherapy consists in the lack of drug selectivity causing severe side effects. The targeted drug delivery appears to be a very promising strategy for controlling the biodistribution of the cytotoxic agent only on malignant tissues by linking it to tumor-targeting moiety. Here we exploit the natural characteristics of Shiga toxin B sub-unit (STxB) as targeting carrier on Gb3-positive cancer cells. Two cytotoxic conjugates STxB-doxorubicin (STxB-Doxo) and STxB-monomethyl auristatin F (STxB-MMAF) were synthesised using copper-free 'click' chemistry. Both conjugates were obtained in very high yield and demonstrated strong tumor inhibition activity in a nanomolar range on Gb3-positive cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vesela Kostova
- Institut Curie, CNRS, UMR 3666/INSERM U1143, 26 rue d'Ulm, 75248 Cedex 05 Paris, France
| | - Estelle Dransart
- Institut Curie, CNRS, UMR 3666/INSERM U1143, 26 rue d'Ulm, 75248 Cedex 05 Paris, France
| | - Michel Azoulay
- Institut Curie, CNRS, UMR 3666/INSERM U1143, 26 rue d'Ulm, 75248 Cedex 05 Paris, France
| | - Laura Brulle
- Institut Curie, CNRS, UMR 3666/INSERM U1143, 26 rue d'Ulm, 75248 Cedex 05 Paris, France
| | - Siau-Kun Bai
- Institut Curie, CNRS, UMR 3666/INSERM U1143, 26 rue d'Ulm, 75248 Cedex 05 Paris, France
| | - Jean-Claude Florent
- Institut Curie, CNRS, UMR 3666/INSERM U1143, 26 rue d'Ulm, 75248 Cedex 05 Paris, France
| | - Ludger Johannes
- Institut Curie, CNRS, UMR 3666/INSERM U1143, 26 rue d'Ulm, 75248 Cedex 05 Paris, France
| | - Frédéric Schmidt
- Institut Curie, CNRS, UMR 3666/INSERM U1143, 26 rue d'Ulm, 75248 Cedex 05 Paris, France.
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104
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Abstract
The selective delivery of potent pharmacologically active compounds to target tissue or cells by antibody–drug conjugates makes this immuno-conjugate a promising modality for the treatment of cancers. A thorough understanding of the structural integrity of the linker, the payload and the conjugation site during biological exposure is critical throughout the process of novel linker-payload design and optimization of PK profile. This understanding is a key aspect of the effort to maximize efficacy while minimizing toxicity in preclinical testing and to ensure the translation to the clinical setting. The complexity of this bioconjugate modality is a source of significant challenge for analytical interrogation and analysis in vivo. Therefore, we report herein a survey of various types of biotransformation events that have been elucidated in recent years.
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105
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Lyon RP, Bovee TD, Doronina SO, Burke PJ, Hunter JH, Neff-LaFord HD, Jonas M, Anderson ME, Setter JR, Senter PD. Reducing hydrophobicity of homogeneous antibody-drug conjugates improves pharmacokinetics and therapeutic index. Nat Biotechnol 2015; 33:733-5. [DOI: 10.1038/nbt.3212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 300] [Impact Index Per Article: 33.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2014] [Accepted: 03/31/2015] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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106
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Vaklavas C, Forero A. Management of metastatic breast cancer with second-generation antibody-drug conjugates: focus on glembatumumab vedotin (CDX-011, CR011-vcMMAE). BioDrugs 2015; 28:253-63. [PMID: 24496926 DOI: 10.1007/s40259-014-0085-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Exploiting the highly targeted nature of monoclonal antibodies to deliver selectively to tumor cells a cytotoxic payload is an attractive concept and the successful precedents of the recent past set the stage for broader applications in the future. Antibody-drug conjugates may currently hold an unprecedented potential; however, there are multiple unique challenges in their development, and the recent successes have come hand in hand with significant technologic advances in their chemistry and manufacturing. Over the years, multiple factors have been identified to affect the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties of an antibody-drug conjugate, but many important details remain to be further investigated. These factors pertain to the target antigen, antibody, conjugate, linker, as well as the nature of the malignancy under treatment. Glembatumumab vedotin is an antibody-drug conjugate targeting glycoprotein non-metastatic B (GPNMB) expressed in multiple malignancies, including breast cancer. The expression of this protein has been associated with an aggressive malignant phenotype, invasive growth, angiogenesis, and generation of skeletal metastases. Glembatumumab vedotin is currently in early stages of clinical development in melanoma and breast cancer. Although in unselected patients with metastatic breast cancer glembatumumab vedotin was not superior to other agents, by virtue of its target being frequently and highly expressed in triple-negative breast cancer, its activity was particularly promising in this subset of patients. Results from the clinical studies in breast cancer as well as companion studies in melanoma indicate that a biomarker-informed approach is the optimal pathway for the future development of this drug.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christos Vaklavas
- Division of Hematology/Clinical Oncology, Department of Medicine, Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Alabama at Birmingham, NP 2540M, 1802 6th Avenue South, Birmingham, AL, 35294-3300, USA,
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107
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Singh SK, Luisi DL, Pak RH. Antibody-Drug Conjugates: Design, Formulation and Physicochemical Stability. Pharm Res 2015; 32:3541-71. [PMID: 25986175 DOI: 10.1007/s11095-015-1704-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2014] [Accepted: 04/23/2015] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
The convergence of advanced understanding of biology with chemistry has led to a resurgence in the development of antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs), especially with two recent product approvals. Design and development of ADCs requires the synergistic combination of the monoclonal antibody, the linker and the payload. Advances in antibody science has enabled identification and generation of high affinity, highly selective, humanized or human antibodies for a given target. Novel linker technologies have been synthesized and highly potent cytotoxic drug payloads have been created. As the first generation of ADCs utilizing lysine and cysteine chemistries moves through the clinic and into commercialization, second generation ADCs involving site specific conjugation technologies are being evaluated and tested. The latter aim to be better characterized and controlled, with wider therapeutic indices as well as improved pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic (PK-PD) profiles. ADCs offer some interesting physicochemical properties, due to conjugation itself, and to the (often) hydrophobic payloads that must be considered during their CMC development. New analytical methodologies are required for the ADCs, supplementing those used for the antibody itself. Regulatory filings will be a combination of small molecule and biologics. The regulators have put forth some broad principles but this landscape is still evolving.
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Affiliation(s)
- Satish K Singh
- Pfizer, Inc., Pharmaceutical R&D, 700 Chesterfield Parkway West, Chesterfield, Missouri, 63017, USA
| | - Donna L Luisi
- Pfizer, Inc., Pharmaceutical R&D, 1 Burtt Road, Bldg. K, Andover, Massachusetts, 01810, USA
| | - Roger H Pak
- Pfizer, Inc., Pharmaceutical R&D, 1 Burtt Road, Bldg. K, Andover, Massachusetts, 01810, USA.
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108
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Ab O, Whiteman KR, Bartle LM, Sun X, Singh R, Tavares D, LaBelle A, Payne G, Lutz RJ, Pinkas J, Goldmacher VS, Chittenden T, Lambert JM. IMGN853, a Folate Receptor-α (FRα)-Targeting Antibody-Drug Conjugate, Exhibits Potent Targeted Antitumor Activity against FRα-Expressing Tumors. Mol Cancer Ther 2015; 14:1605-13. [PMID: 25904506 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-14-1095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 124] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2014] [Accepted: 04/10/2015] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
A majority of ovarian and non-small cell lung adenocarcinoma cancers overexpress folate receptor α (FRα). Here, we report the development of an anti-FRα antibody-drug conjugate (ADC), consisting of a FRα-binding antibody attached to a highly potent maytansinoid that induces cell-cycle arrest and cell death by targeting microtubules. From screening a large panel of anti-FRα monoclonal antibodies, we selected the humanized antibody M9346A as the best antibody for targeted delivery of a maytansinoid payload into FRα-positive cells. We compared M9346A conjugates with various linker/maytansinoid combinations, and found that a conjugate, now denoted as IMGN853, with the N-succinimidyl 4-(2-pyridyldithio)-2-sulfobutanoate (sulfo-SPDB) linker and N(2')-deacetyl-N(2')-(4-mercapto-4-methyl-1-oxopentyl)-maytansine (DM4) exhibited the most potent antitumor activity in several FRα-expressing xenograft tumor models. The level of expression of FRα on the surface of cells was a major determinant in the sensitivity of tumor cells to the cytotoxic effect of the conjugate. Efficacy studies of IMGN853 in xenografts of ovarian cancer and non-small cell lung cancer cell lines and of a patient tumor-derived xenograft model demonstrated that the ADC was highly active against tumors that expressed FRα at levels similar to those found on a large fraction of ovarian and non-small cell lung cancer patient tumors, as assessed by immunohistochemistry. IMGN853 displayed cytotoxic activity against FRα-negative cells situated near FRα-positive cells (bystander cytotoxic activity), indicating its ability to eradicate tumors with heterogeneous expression of FRα. Together, these findings support the clinical development of IMGN853 as a novel targeted therapy for patients with FRα-expressing tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olga Ab
- Department of Cell Biology, ImmunoGen, Inc., Waltham, Massachusetts.
| | - Kathleen R Whiteman
- Department of Pharmacology Toxicology, ImmunoGen, Inc., Waltham, Massachusetts
| | - Laura M Bartle
- Department of Cell Biology, ImmunoGen, Inc., Waltham, Massachusetts
| | - Xiuxia Sun
- Department of Biochemistry, ImmunoGen, Inc., Waltham, Massachusetts
| | - Rajeeva Singh
- Department of Biochemistry, ImmunoGen, Inc., Waltham, Massachusetts
| | - Daniel Tavares
- Department of Antibody Engineering, ImmunoGen, Inc., Waltham, Massachusetts
| | - Alyssa LaBelle
- Department of Biomarkers, ImmunoGen, Inc., Waltham, Massachusetts
| | - Gillian Payne
- Department of Bioanalytical Science, ImmunoGen, Inc., Waltham, Massachusetts
| | - Robert J Lutz
- Department of Translational Research and Development, ImmunoGen, Inc., Waltham, Massachusetts
| | - Jan Pinkas
- Department of Pharmacology Toxicology, ImmunoGen, Inc., Waltham, Massachusetts
| | | | | | - John M Lambert
- Research and Development, ImmunoGen, Inc., Waltham, Massachusetts
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109
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Widdison W, Wilhelm S, Veale K, Costoplus J, Jones G, Audette C, Leece B, Bartle L, Kovtun Y, Chari R. Metabolites of antibody-maytansinoid conjugates: characteristics and in vitro potencies. Mol Pharm 2015; 12:1762-73. [PMID: 25826705 DOI: 10.1021/mp5007757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Several antibody-maytansinoid conjugates (AMCs) are in clinical trials for the treatment of various cancers. Each of these conjugates can be metabolized by tumor cells to give cytotoxic maytansinoid metabolites that can kill targeted cells. In preclinical studies in mice, the cytotoxic metabolites initially formed in vivo are further processed in the mouse liver to give several oxidized metabolic species. In this work, the primary AMC metabolites were synthesized and incubated with human liver microsomes (HLMs) to determine if human liver would likely give the same metabolites as those formed in mouse liver. The results of these HLM metabolism studies as well as the subsequent syntheses of the resulting HLM oxidation products are presented. Syntheses of the minor impurities formed during the conjugation of AMCs were also conducted to determine their cytotoxicities and to establish how these impurities would be metabolized by HLM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wayne Widdison
- ImmunoGen, Inc., 830 Winter Street, Waltham, Massachusetts 02451, United States
| | - Sharon Wilhelm
- ImmunoGen, Inc., 830 Winter Street, Waltham, Massachusetts 02451, United States
| | - Karen Veale
- ImmunoGen, Inc., 830 Winter Street, Waltham, Massachusetts 02451, United States
| | - Juliet Costoplus
- ImmunoGen, Inc., 830 Winter Street, Waltham, Massachusetts 02451, United States
| | - Gregory Jones
- ImmunoGen, Inc., 830 Winter Street, Waltham, Massachusetts 02451, United States
| | - Charlene Audette
- ImmunoGen, Inc., 830 Winter Street, Waltham, Massachusetts 02451, United States
| | - Barbara Leece
- ImmunoGen, Inc., 830 Winter Street, Waltham, Massachusetts 02451, United States
| | - Laura Bartle
- ImmunoGen, Inc., 830 Winter Street, Waltham, Massachusetts 02451, United States
| | - Yelena Kovtun
- ImmunoGen, Inc., 830 Winter Street, Waltham, Massachusetts 02451, United States
| | - Ravi Chari
- ImmunoGen, Inc., 830 Winter Street, Waltham, Massachusetts 02451, United States
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110
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A new delivery system for auristatin in STxB-drug conjugate therapy. Eur J Med Chem 2015; 95:483-91. [PMID: 25847766 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2015.03.047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2014] [Revised: 03/18/2015] [Accepted: 03/19/2015] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
A key challenge in anticancer therapy is to gain control over the biodistribution of cytotoxic drugs. The most promising strategy consists in conjugating drugs to tumor-targeting carriers, thereby combining high cytotoxic activity and specific delivery. To target Gb3-positive cancer cells, we exploit the non-toxic B-subunit of Shiga toxin (STxB). Here, we have conjugated STxB to highly potent auristatin derivatives (MMA). A former linker was optimized to ensure proper drug-release upon reaching reducing environments in target cells, followed by a self-immolation step. Two conjugates were successfully obtained, and in vitro assays demonstrated the potential of this targeting system for the selective elimination of Gb3-positive tumors.
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111
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Salomon PL, Singh R. Sensitive ELISA Method for the Measurement of Catabolites of Antibody–Drug Conjugates (ADCs) in Target Cancer Cells. Mol Pharm 2015; 12:1752-61. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.5b00028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Paulin L. Salomon
- ImmunoGen, Inc., 830 Winter Street, Waltham, Massachusetts 02451, United States
| | - Rajeeva Singh
- ImmunoGen, Inc., 830 Winter Street, Waltham, Massachusetts 02451, United States
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112
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Jain N, Smith SW, Ghone S, Tomczuk B. Current ADC Linker Chemistry. Pharm Res 2015; 32:3526-40. [PMID: 25759187 PMCID: PMC4596905 DOI: 10.1007/s11095-015-1657-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 275] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2014] [Accepted: 02/16/2015] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The list of ADCs in the clinic continues to grow, bolstered by the success of first two marketed ADCs: ADCETRIS® and Kadcyla®. Currently, there are 40 ADCs in various phases of clinical development. However, only 34 of these have published their structures. Of the 34 disclosed structures, 24 of them use a linkage to the thiol of cysteines on the monoclonal antibody. The remaining 10 candidates utilize chemistry to surface lysines of the antibody. Due to the inherent heterogeneity of conjugation to the multiple lysines or cysteines found in mAbs, significant research efforts are now being directed toward the production of discrete, homogeneous ADC products, via site-specific conjugation. These site-specific conjugations may involve genetic engineering of the mAb to introduce discrete, available cysteines or non-natural amino acids with an orthogonally-reactive functional group handle such as an aldehyde, ketone, azido, or alkynyl tag. These site-specific approaches not only increase the homogeneity of ADCs but also enable novel bio-orthogonal chemistries that utilize reactive moieties other than thiol or amine. This broadens the diversity of linkers that can be utilized which will lead to better linker design in future generations of ADCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nareshkumar Jain
- The Chemistry Research Solution, LLC, 360 George Patterson Blvd., Suite 101E, Bristol, Pennsylvania, 19007, USA.
| | - Sean W Smith
- The Chemistry Research Solution, LLC, 360 George Patterson Blvd., Suite 101E, Bristol, Pennsylvania, 19007, USA
| | - Sanjeevani Ghone
- The Chemistry Research Solution, LLC, 360 George Patterson Blvd., Suite 101E, Bristol, Pennsylvania, 19007, USA
| | - Bruce Tomczuk
- The Chemistry Research Solution, LLC, 360 George Patterson Blvd., Suite 101E, Bristol, Pennsylvania, 19007, USA
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113
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McCombs JR, Owen SC. Antibody drug conjugates: design and selection of linker, payload and conjugation chemistry. AAPS JOURNAL 2015; 17:339-51. [PMID: 25604608 DOI: 10.1208/s12248-014-9710-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 233] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2014] [Accepted: 12/19/2014] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Antibody drug conjugates (ADCs) have emerged as an important pharmaceutical class of drugs designed to harness the specificity of antibodies with the potency of small molecule therapeutics. The three main components of ADCs are the antibody, the linker, and the payload; the majority of early work focused intensely on improving the functionality of these pieces. Recently, considerable attention has been focused on developing methods to control the site and number of linker/drug conjugated to the antibody, with the aim of producing more homogenous ADCs. In this article, we review popular conjugation methods and highlight recent approaches including "click" conjugation and enzymatic ligation. We discuss current linker technology, contrasting the characteristics of cleavable and non-cleavable linkers, and summarize the essential properties of ADC payload, centering on chemotherapeutics. In addition, we report on the progress in characterizing to determine physicochemical properties and on advances in purifying to obtain homogenous products. Establishing a set of selection and analytical criteria will facilitate the translation of novel ADCs and ensure the production of effective biosimilars.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica R McCombs
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of Utah, 30 S. 2000 E., Salt Lake City, UT, 84112, USA
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114
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Esteva FJ, Miller KD, Teicher BA. What Can We Learn about Antibody-Drug Conjugates from the T-DM1 Experience? Am Soc Clin Oncol Educ Book 2015:e117-e125. [PMID: 25993162 DOI: 10.14694/edbook_am.2015.35.e117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Antibody conjugates are a diverse class of therapeutics that consist of a cytotoxic agent linked covalently to an antibody or antibody fragment directed toward a specific cell surface target expressed by tumor cells. The notion that antibodies directed toward targets on the surface of malignant cells could be used for drug delivery is not new. The history of antibody conjugates has been marked by hurdles identified and overcome. Early conjugates used mouse antibodies, drugs that either were not sufficiently potent, were immunogenic (proteins), or were too toxic, and linkers that were not sufficiently stable in circulation. Four main avenues have been explored using antibodies to target cytotoxic agents to malignant cells: antibody-protein toxin (or antibody fragment-protein toxin fusion) conjugates, antibody-chelated radionuclide conjugates, antibody-small molecule conjugates, and antibody-enzyme conjugates administered along with small molecule prodrugs that require metabolism by the conjugated enzyme to release the activated species. Technology is continuing to evolve regarding the protein and small molecule components, and it is likely that single chemical entities soon will be the norm for antibody-drug conjugates. Only antibody-radionuclide conjugates and antibody-drug conjugates have reached the regulatory approval stage, and there are more than 40 antibody conjugates in clinical trials. The time may have come for this technology to become a major contributor to improving treatment for patients with cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francisco J Esteva
- From the Laura and Isaac Perlmutter Cancer Center, NYU Langone Medical Center, New York, NY; Indiana University Melvin and Bren Simon Cancer Center, Indianapolis, IN; National Cancer Institute at the National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD
| | - Kathy D Miller
- From the Laura and Isaac Perlmutter Cancer Center, NYU Langone Medical Center, New York, NY; Indiana University Melvin and Bren Simon Cancer Center, Indianapolis, IN; National Cancer Institute at the National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD
| | - Beverly A Teicher
- From the Laura and Isaac Perlmutter Cancer Center, NYU Langone Medical Center, New York, NY; Indiana University Melvin and Bren Simon Cancer Center, Indianapolis, IN; National Cancer Institute at the National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD
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115
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Valliere-Douglass JF, Hengel SM, Pan LY. Approaches to Interchain Cysteine-Linked ADC Characterization by Mass Spectrometry. Mol Pharm 2014; 12:1774-83. [PMID: 25474122 DOI: 10.1021/mp500614p] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Therapeutic antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) harness the cell-killing potential of cytotoxic agents and the tumor targeting specificity of monoclonal antibodies to selectively kill tumor cells. Recent years have witnessed the development of several promising modalities that follow the same basic principles of ADC based therapies but which employ unique cytotoxic agents and conjugation strategies in order to realize therapeutic benefit. The complexity and heterogeneity of ADCs present a challenge to some of the conventional analytical methods that industry has relied upon for biologics characterization. This current review will highlight some of the more recent methodological approaches in mass spectrometry that have bridged the gap that is created when conventional analytical techniques provide an incomplete picture of ADC product quality. Specifically, we will discuss mass spectrometric approaches that preserve and/or capture information about the native structure of ADCs and provide unique insights into the higher order structure (HOS) of these therapeutic molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Shawna M Hengel
- Seattle Genetics, Inc., 21823 30th Drive SE, Bothell, Washington 98021, United States
| | - Lucy Y Pan
- Seattle Genetics, Inc., 21823 30th Drive SE, Bothell, Washington 98021, United States
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116
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Klute K, Nackos E, Tasaki S, Nguyen DP, Bander NH, Tagawa ST. Microtubule inhibitor-based antibody-drug conjugates for cancer therapy. Onco Targets Ther 2014; 7:2227-36. [PMID: 25506226 PMCID: PMC4259504 DOI: 10.2147/ott.s46887] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
The specificity of monoclonal antibodies represents a potential therapeutic advantage, but their use as single agents in oncology has proven limited to date. The development of antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) takes advantage of the specificity of the monoclonal antibody and potent cytotoxic effect of chemotherapy, leading to enhanced cytotoxicity in target cells and limiting toxicity to normal tissue. Microtubules represent a validated oncologic target in a range of tumor types, with a number of anti-microtubule targeting cytotoxic drugs approved for cancer use. The systemic use of potent microtubule-binding agents is limited by their effects in normal cells, which leads to toxicity including myelosuppression and peripheral neuropathy. Linking these agents to monoclonal antibodies may limit toxicity to normal tissues and increase drug concentration in target tissues, also allowing the use of more potent agents which would be too toxic to administer in their unbound form. Two such ADCs have been approved for clinical use and many others are in development. Here we review the characteristics of each of the ADC components that have led to efficacious therapies and discuss some of the tubulin inhibitor-based ADCs in development for cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelsey Klute
- Division of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA
| | - Eleni Nackos
- Division of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA
| | - Shinsuke Tasaki
- Division of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA
| | - Daniel P Nguyen
- Department of Urology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA
| | - Neil H Bander
- Department of Urology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA
| | - Scott T Tagawa
- Division of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA ; Department of Urology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA
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117
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Shefet-Carasso L, Benhar I. Antibody-targeted drugs and drug resistance--challenges and solutions. Drug Resist Updat 2014; 18:36-46. [PMID: 25476546 DOI: 10.1016/j.drup.2014.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2014] [Revised: 11/16/2014] [Accepted: 11/17/2014] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Antibody-based therapy of various human malignancies has shown efficacy in the past 30 years and is now one of the most successful and leading strategies for targeted treatment of patients harboring hematological malignancies and solid tumors. Antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) aim to take advantage of the affinity and specificity of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) to selectively deliver potent cytotoxic drugs to antigen-expressing tumor cells. Key parameters for ADC include choosing the optimal components of the ADC (the antibody, the linker and the cytotoxic drug) and selecting the suitable cell-surface target antigen. Building on the success of recent FDA approval of brentuximab vedotin (Adcetris) and ado-trastuzumab emtansine (Kadcyla), ADCs are currently a class of drugs with a robust pipeline with clinical applications that are rapidly expanding. The more ADCs are being evaluated in preclinical models and clinical trials, the clearer are becoming the parameters and the challenges required for their therapeutic success. This rapidly growing knowledge and clinical experience are revealing novel modalities and mechanisms of resistance to ADCs, hence offering plausible solutions to such challenges. Here, we review the key parameters for designing a powerful ADC, focusing on how ADCs are addressing the challenge of multiple drug resistance (MDR) and its rational overcoming.
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Affiliation(s)
- LeeRon Shefet-Carasso
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Biotechnology, The George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel-Aviv University, Ramat Aviv, Israel
| | - Itai Benhar
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Biotechnology, The George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel-Aviv University, Ramat Aviv, Israel.
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Vigne E, Sassoon I. La montée en puissance des immunoconjugués en oncologie. Med Sci (Paris) 2014; 30:855-63. [DOI: 10.1051/medsci/20143010012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
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Schumacher FF, Nunes JPM, Maruani A, Chudasama V, Smith MEB, Chester KA, Baker JR, Caddick S. Next generation maleimides enable the controlled assembly of antibody-drug conjugates via native disulfide bond bridging. Org Biomol Chem 2014; 12:7261-9. [PMID: 25103319 PMCID: PMC4159697 DOI: 10.1039/c4ob01550a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 114] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2014] [Accepted: 07/23/2014] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
The advent of Adcetris™ and Kadcyla™, two recently FDA-approved antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs), in the clinic has had a major impact on the treatment of lymphoma and breast cancer patients, respectively, worldwide. Despite these successes many new ADCs fail at various stages of development, often due to shortcomings in the methods used for their assembly. To address this problem we have developed next generation maleimides (NGMs), which specifically re-bridge reduced interchain disulfide bonds and allow the efficient conjugation of small molecules to antibodies, without the need for engineering of the target antibody. The method is site-specific and generates near homogeneous products in good yields. Moreover, adjustment of the reaction conditions allows control of the conjugation in terms of stoichiometry (drug-loading) and site selectivity. Using this method we prepared a series of ADCs from trastuzumab and doxorubicin (DOX) with a controlled drug-to-antibody ratio (DAR) of 1, 2, 3 and 4. All of these constructs were fully active by ELISA and had more than 90% of re-bridged disulfide bonds by CE-SDS when compared to clinical grade antibody. Furthermore, digest experiments of the DAR 2 material revealed that almost all of the drug had been targeted to the Fab arms of the antibody. Thus, NGMs offer a flexible and simple platform for the controlled assembly of ADCs from an antibody.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felix F. Schumacher
- Department of Chemistry , University College London , 20 Gordon Street , London , WC1H 0AJ , UK . ; ; Tel: +44 (0)20 3108 7538
| | - João P. M. Nunes
- Department of Chemistry , University College London , 20 Gordon Street , London , WC1H 0AJ , UK . ; ; Tel: +44 (0)20 3108 7538
| | - Antoine Maruani
- Department of Chemistry , University College London , 20 Gordon Street , London , WC1H 0AJ , UK . ; ; Tel: +44 (0)20 3108 7538
| | - Vijay Chudasama
- Department of Chemistry , University College London , 20 Gordon Street , London , WC1H 0AJ , UK . ; ; Tel: +44 (0)20 3108 7538
| | - Mark E. B. Smith
- Department of Chemistry , University College London , 20 Gordon Street , London , WC1H 0AJ , UK . ; ; Tel: +44 (0)20 3108 7538
| | - Kerry A. Chester
- UCL Cancer Institute , 72 Huntley Street , London , WC1E 6BT , UK
| | - James R. Baker
- Department of Chemistry , University College London , 20 Gordon Street , London , WC1H 0AJ , UK . ; ; Tel: +44 (0)20 3108 7538
| | - Stephen Caddick
- Department of Chemistry , University College London , 20 Gordon Street , London , WC1H 0AJ , UK . ; ; Tel: +44 (0)20 3108 7538
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121
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Albers AE, Garofalo AW, Drake PM, Kudirka R, de Hart GW, Barfield RM, Baker J, Banas S, Rabuka D. Exploring the effects of linker composition on site-specifically modified antibody-drug conjugates. Eur J Med Chem 2014; 88:3-9. [PMID: 25176286 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2014.08.062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2014] [Revised: 08/21/2014] [Accepted: 08/22/2014] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
In the context of antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs), noncleavable linkers provide a means to deliver cytotoxic small molecules to cell targets while reducing systemic toxicity caused by nontargeted release of the free drug. Additionally, noncleavable linkers afford an opportunity to change the chemical properties of the small molecule to improve potency or diminish affinity for multidrug transporters, thereby improving efficacy. We employed the aldehyde tag coupled with the hydrazino-iso-Pictet-Spengler (HIPS) ligation to generate a panel of site-specifically conjugated ADCs that varied only in the noncleavable linker portion. The ADC panel comprised antibodies carrying a maytansine payload ligated through one of five different linkers. Both the linker-maytansine constructs alone and the resulting ADC panel were characterized in a variety of in vitro and in vivo assays measuring biophysical and functional properties. We observed that slight differences in linker design affected these parameters in disparate ways, and noted that efficacy could be improved by selecting for particular attributes. These studies serve as a starting point for the exploration of more potent noncleavable linker systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aaron E Albers
- Redwood Bioscience, 5703 Hollis Street, Emeryville, CA 94608, USA
| | | | - Penelope M Drake
- Redwood Bioscience, 5703 Hollis Street, Emeryville, CA 94608, USA
| | - Romas Kudirka
- Redwood Bioscience, 5703 Hollis Street, Emeryville, CA 94608, USA
| | | | - Robyn M Barfield
- Redwood Bioscience, 5703 Hollis Street, Emeryville, CA 94608, USA
| | - Jeanne Baker
- Redwood Bioscience, 5703 Hollis Street, Emeryville, CA 94608, USA
| | - Stefanie Banas
- Redwood Bioscience, 5703 Hollis Street, Emeryville, CA 94608, USA
| | - David Rabuka
- Redwood Bioscience, 5703 Hollis Street, Emeryville, CA 94608, USA.
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Cohen R, Vugts DJ, Visser GWM, Stigter-van Walsum M, Bolijn M, Spiga M, Lazzari P, Shankar S, Sani M, Zanda M, van Dongen GAMS. Development of novel ADCs: conjugation of tubulysin analogues to trastuzumab monitored by dual radiolabeling. Cancer Res 2014; 74:5700-10. [PMID: 25145670 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-14-1141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Tubulysins are highly toxic tubulin-targeting agents with a narrow therapeutic window that are interesting for application in antibody-drug conjugates (ADC). For full control over drug-antibody ratio (DAR) and the effect thereof on pharmacokinetics and tumor targeting, a dual-labeling approach was developed, wherein the drug, tubulysin variants, and the antibody, the anti-HER2 monoclonal antibody (mAb) trastuzumab, are radiolabeled. (131)I-radioiodination of two synthetic tubulysin A analogues, the less potent TUB-OH (IC50 > 100 nmol/L) and the potent TUB-OMOM (IC50, ~1 nmol/L), and their direct covalent conjugation to (89)Zr-trastuzumab were established. Radioiodination of tubulysins was 92% to 98% efficient and conversion to N-hydroxysuccinimide (NHS) esters more than 99%; esters were isolated in an overall yield of 68% ± 5% with radiochemical purity of more than 99.5%. Conjugation of (131)I-tubulysin-NHS esters to (89)Zr-trastuzumab was 45% to 55% efficient, resulting in ADCs with 96% to 98% radiochemical purity after size-exclusion chromatography. ADCs were evaluated for their tumor-targeting potential and antitumor effects in nude mice with tumors that were sensitive or resistant to trastuzumab, using ado-trastuzumab emtansine as a reference. ADCs appeared stable in vivo. An average DAR of 2 and 4 conferred pharmacokinetics and tumor-targeting behavior similar to parental trastuzumab. Efficacy studies using single-dose TUB-OMOM-trastuzumab (DAR 4) showed dose-dependent antitumor effects, including complete tumor eradications in trastuzumab-sensitive tumors in vivo. TUB-OMOM-trastuzumab (60 mg/kg) displayed efficacy similar to ado-trastuzumab emtansine (15 mg/kg) yet more effective than trastuzumab. Our findings illustrate the potential of synthetic tubulysins in ADCs for cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruth Cohen
- Department of Otolaryngology/Head and Neck Surgery, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Danielle J Vugts
- Department of Radiology & Nuclear Medicine, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Gerard W M Visser
- Department of Radiology & Nuclear Medicine, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Marijke Stigter-van Walsum
- Department of Otolaryngology/Head and Neck Surgery, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Marije Bolijn
- Department of Radiology & Nuclear Medicine, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Marco Spiga
- KemoTech s.r.l., Parco Scientifico della Sardegna, Edificio 3, Pula, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Paolo Lazzari
- KemoTech s.r.l., Parco Scientifico della Sardegna, Edificio 3, Pula, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Sreejith Shankar
- Department of Organic Chemistry, The Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Monica Sani
- KemoTech s.r.l., Parco Scientifico della Sardegna, Edificio 3, Pula, Cagliari, Italy. Dipartimento C.M.I.C. del Politecnico di Milano and C.N.R.-I.C.R.M., Milano, Italy
| | - Matteo Zanda
- Dipartimento C.M.I.C. del Politecnico di Milano and C.N.R.-I.C.R.M., Milano, Italy. Kosterlitz Centre for Therapeutics, Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Foresterhill, Aberdeen, Scotland, United Kingdom
| | - Guus A M S van Dongen
- Department of Otolaryngology/Head and Neck Surgery, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, the Netherlands. Department of Radiology & Nuclear Medicine, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
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Rossin R, van Duijnhoven SMJ, Läppchen T, van den Bosch SM, Robillard MS. Trans-cyclooctene tag with improved properties for tumor pretargeting with the diels-alder reaction. Mol Pharm 2014; 11:3090-6. [PMID: 25077373 DOI: 10.1021/mp500275a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
Radioimmunotherapy (RIT) of solid tumors is hampered by low tumor-to-nontumor (T/NT) ratios of the radiolabeled monoclonal antibodies resulting in low tumor doses in patients. Pretargeting technologies can improve the effectiveness of RIT in cancer therapy by increasing this ratio. We showed that a pretargeting strategy employing in vivo chemistry in combination with clearing agents, proceeds efficiently in tumor-bearing mice resulting in high T/NT ratios. A dosimetry study indicated that the chemical pretargeting technology, which centered on the bioorthogonal Diels-Alder click reaction between a radiolabeled tetrazine probe and a trans-cyclooctene-oxymethylbenzamide-tagged CC49 antibody (CC49-TCO(1)), can match the performance of clinically validated high-affinity biological pretargeting approaches in mice ( Rossin J Nucl Med. 2013 , 54 , 1989 - 1995 ). Nevertheless, the increased protein surface hydrophobicity of CC49-TCO(1) led to a relatively rapid blood clearance and concomitant reduced tumor uptake compared to native CC49 antibody. Here, we present the in vivo evaluation of a TCO-oxymethylacetamide-tagged CC49 antibody (CC49-TCO(2)), which is highly reactive toward tetrazines and less hydrophobic than CC49-TCO(1). CC49-TCO(2) was administered to healthy mice to determine its blood clearance and the in vivo stability of the TCO. Next, pretargeting biodistribution and SPECT studies with CC49-TCO(2), tetrazine-functionalized clearing agent, and radiolabeled tetrazine were carried out in nude mice bearing colon carcinoma xenografts (LS174T). CC49-TCO(2) had an increased circulation half-life, a 1.5-fold higher tumor uptake, and a 2.6-fold improved in vivo TCO stability compared to the more hydrophobic TCO-benzamide-CC49. As a consequence, and despite the 2-fold lower reactivity of CC49-TCO(2) toward tetrazines compared with CC49-TCO(1), administration of radiolabeled tetrazine afforded a significantly increased tumor accumulation and improved T/NT ratios in mice pretargeted with CC49-TCO(2). In conclusion, the TCO-acetamide derivative represents a large improvement in in vivo Diels-Alder pretargeting, possibly enabling application in larger animals and eventually humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raffaella Rossin
- Tagworks Pharmaceuticals , High Tech Campus 11, 5656 AE Eindhoven, The Netherlands
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124
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Abstract
Antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) for tumor therapy contain a cytotoxic drug conjugated to a monoclonal antibody (mAb) across a linker. A homing device, the mAb enables the recognition of tumor cells by binding to tumor-specific antigens. The linker is usually cleaved inside the tumor cell or close to the cell surface according to a well-designed chemical mechanism or upon in vivo degradation of the immunoglobulin moiety. The potent drug load is then released exerting its cytotoxic activity within the target cell or in its close proximity (bystander effect). This concept enables a highly selective approach to minimize side effects for the patient. In August 2011, Seattle Genetics' ADC Adcetris® (brentuximab vedotin) was approved by the US FDA. This review gives background information on this interesting new technology and presents the relevant, recent patents in this research area. patents by Seattle Genetics, Immunogen and Biotest are discussed owing to their eminent contribution and relevance to the field.
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125
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Zheng Y, Xu J. Synthesis of enantiopure free and N-benzyloxycarbonyl-protected 3-substituted homotaurines from naturally occurring amino acids. Tetrahedron 2014. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tet.2014.05.098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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Hengel SM, Sanderson R, Valliere-Douglass J, Nicholas N, Leiske C, Alley SC. Measurement of in Vivo Drug Load Distribution of Cysteine-Linked Antibody–Drug Conjugates Using Microscale Liquid Chromatography Mass Spectrometry. Anal Chem 2014; 86:3420-5. [DOI: 10.1021/ac403860c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Shawna Mae Hengel
- Seattle Genetics Inc., 21823 30th
Drive Southeast, Bothell, Washington 98021, United States
| | - Russell Sanderson
- Seattle Genetics Inc., 21823 30th
Drive Southeast, Bothell, Washington 98021, United States
| | - John Valliere-Douglass
- Seattle Genetics Inc., 21823 30th
Drive Southeast, Bothell, Washington 98021, United States
| | - Nicole Nicholas
- Seattle Genetics Inc., 21823 30th
Drive Southeast, Bothell, Washington 98021, United States
| | - Chris Leiske
- Seattle Genetics Inc., 21823 30th
Drive Southeast, Bothell, Washington 98021, United States
| | - Stephen C. Alley
- Seattle Genetics Inc., 21823 30th
Drive Southeast, Bothell, Washington 98021, United States
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Zhou Q, Stefano JE, Manning C, Kyazike J, Chen B, Gianolio DA, Park A, Busch M, Bird J, Zheng X, Simonds-Mannes H, Kim J, Gregory RC, Miller RJ, Brondyk WH, Dhal PK, Pan CQ. Site-specific antibody-drug conjugation through glycoengineering. Bioconjug Chem 2014; 25:510-20. [PMID: 24533768 DOI: 10.1021/bc400505q] [Citation(s) in RCA: 162] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) have been proven clinically to be more effective anti-cancer agents than native antibodies. However, the classical conjugation chemistries to prepare ADCs by targeting primary amines or hinge disulfides have a number of shortcomings including heterogeneous product profiles and linkage instability. We have developed a novel site-specific conjugation method by targeting the native glycosylation site on antibodies as an approach to address these limitations. The native glycans on Asn-297 of antibodies were enzymatically remodeled in vitro using galactosyl and sialyltransferases to introduce terminal sialic acids. Periodate oxidation of these sialic acids yielded aldehyde groups which were subsequently used to conjugate aminooxy functionalized cytotoxic agents via oxime ligation. The process has been successfully demonstrated with three antibodies including trastuzumab and two cytotoxic agents. Hydrophobic interaction chromatography and LC-MS analyses revealed the incorporation of ~1.6 cytotoxic agents per antibody molecule, approximating the number of sialic acid residues. These glyco-conjugated ADCs exhibited target-dependent antiproliferative activity toward antigen-positive tumor cells and significantly greater antitumor efficacy than naked antibody in a Her2-positive tumor xenograft model. These findings suggest that enzymatic remodeling combined with oxime ligation of the native glycans of antibodies offers an attractive approach to generate ADCs with well-defined product profiles. The site-specific conjugation approach presented here provides a viable alternative to other methods, which involve a need to either re-engineer the antibody sequence or develop a highly controlled chemical process to ensure reproducible drug loading.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qun Zhou
- Sanofi-Genzyme R&D Center, Genzyme Corporation, A Sanofi Company , Framingham, Massachusetts 01701, United States
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Chari RVJ, Miller ML, Widdison WC. Antibody-drug conjugates: an emerging concept in cancer therapy. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2014; 53:3796-827. [PMID: 24677743 DOI: 10.1002/anie.201307628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 701] [Impact Index Per Article: 70.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2013] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Traditional cancer chemotherapy is often accompanied by systemic toxicity to the patient. Monoclonal antibodies against antigens on cancer cells offer an alternative tumor-selective treatment approach. However, most monoclonal antibodies are not sufficiently potent to be therapeutically active on their own. Antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) use antibodies to deliver a potent cytotoxic compound selectively to tumor cells, thus improving the therapeutic index of chemotherapeutic agents. The recent approval of two ADCs, brentuximab vedotin and ado-trastuzumab emtansine, for cancer treatment has spurred tremendous research interest in this field. This Review touches upon the early efforts in the field, and describes how the lessons learned from the first-generation ADCs have led to improvements in every aspect of this technology, i.e., the antibody, the cytotoxic compound, and the linker connecting them, leading to the current successes. The design of ADCs currently in clinical development, and results from mechanistic studies and preclinical and clinical evaluation are discussed. Emerging technologies that seek to further advance this exciting area of research are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ravi V J Chari
- ImmunoGen, Inc. 830 Winter St, Waltham, MA 02451 (USA) http://www.immunogen.com.
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Chari RVJ, Miller ML, Widdison WC. Antikörper-Wirkstoff-Konjugate: ein neues Konzept in der Krebstherapie. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2014. [DOI: 10.1002/ange.201307628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
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130
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Nanomedicine: The Promise and Challenges in Cancer Chemotherapy. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2014; 811:207-33. [DOI: 10.1007/978-94-017-8739-0_11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
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131
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Finniss MC, Chu KS, Bowerman CJ, Luft JC, Haroon ZA, DeSimone JM. A versatile acid-labile linker for antibody–drug conjugates. MEDCHEMCOMM 2014. [DOI: 10.1039/c4md00150h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Silyl ether chemistry was used as the linker for an antibody drug conjugate to release a chemotherapeutic at low pH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mathew C. Finniss
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
- USA
| | - Kevin S. Chu
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
- USA
| | - Charles J. Bowerman
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
- USA
| | - J. Christopher Luft
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
- USA
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
| | - Zishan A. Haroon
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
- USA
- Carolina Center of Cancer Nanotechnology Excellence
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
| | - Joseph M. DeSimone
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
- USA
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
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132
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Nai Y, Xu J. Convenient Synthesis of Various Substituted Homotaurines from Alk-2-enamides. Helv Chim Acta 2013. [DOI: 10.1002/hlca.201200547] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
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133
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Gerber HP, Koehn FE, Abraham RT. The antibody-drug conjugate: an enabling modality for natural product-based cancer therapeutics. Nat Prod Rep 2013; 30:625-39. [PMID: 23525375 DOI: 10.1039/c3np20113a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The Antibody Drug Conjugate (ADC) is a therapeutic modality consisting of a monoclonal antibody attached to a cytotoxic, small-molecule payload. The antibody portion of the ADC serves as a transport vehicle that recognizes and binds to a protein antigen expressed in tumor tissues. The localized delivery and release of the payload within or near malignant cells allows for targeted delivery of a potent cytotoxic agent to diseased tissue, while reducing damage to antigen-negative, normal tissues. Recent years have witnessed an explosive increase in ADC-based therapies, due mainly to clinical reports of activity in both hematologic and epithelial cancers. Accompanying this upsurge in ADC development is a renewed interest in natural product cytotoxins, which are typically highly potent cell-killing agents, but suffer from poor drug-like properties and narrow safety margins when systemically administered as conventional chemotherapeutics. In this review, we discuss recent advances related to the construction of ADCs, the optimization of ADC safety and efficacy, and the increasingly pivotal roles of natural product payloads in the current and future landscape of ADC therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hans-Peter Gerber
- Pfizer Worldwide Research and Development, Oncology Research Unit, 401 Middletown Road, Pearl River, NY, USA.
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134
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Flygare JA, Pillow TH, Aristoff P. Antibody-drug conjugates for the treatment of cancer. Chem Biol Drug Des 2013; 81:113-21. [PMID: 23253133 DOI: 10.1111/cbdd.12085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 165] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
With over 20 antibody-drug conjugates in clinical trials as well as a recently FDA-approved drug, it is clear that this is becoming an important and viable approach for selectively delivering highly cytotoxic agents to tumor cells while sparing normal tissue. This review discusses the critical aspects for this approach with an emphasis on the properties of the linker between the antibody and the cytotoxic payload that are required for an effective antibody-drug conjugate. Different linkers are illustrated with attention focused on (i) the specifics of attachment to the antibody, (ii) the polarity of the linker, (iii) the trigger on the linker that initiates cleavage from the drug, and (iv) the self-immolative spacer that liberates the active payload. Future directions in the field are proposed.
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Affiliation(s)
- John A Flygare
- Department of Discovery Chemistry, Genentech, Inc., 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA.
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135
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136
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Abstract
Biological therapies play an increasing role in cancer treatment, although the number of naked antibodies showing clinical efficacy as single agent remains limited. One way to enhance therapeutic potential of antibodies is to conjugate them to small molecule drugs. This combination is expected to bring together the benefits of highly potent drugs on the one hand and selective binders of specific tumor antigens on the other hand. However, designing an ADC is more complex than a simple meccano game, requiring thoughtful combination of antibody, linker, and drugs in the context of a target and a defined cancer indication. Lessons learned from the first-generation antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) and improvement of the technology guided the design of improved compounds which are now in clinical trials. Brentuximab vedotin (Adcetris(®)), an anti-CD30 antibody conjugated to a potent microtubule inhibitor for the treatment of Hodgkin's lymphoma and anaplastic large cell lymphomas, is the only marketed ADC today. A total of 27 ADC are currently undergoing clinical trials in both hematological malignancies and solid tumor indications. Among them, T-DM1 (trastuzumab emtansine), an ADC comprised of trastuzumab conjugated to DM1, via a non-cleavable linker, is showing very promising results in phase III for the treatment of HER2-positive refractory/relapsed metastatic breast cancer. Other compounds, such as CMC-544, SAR3419, CDX-011, PSMA-ADC, BT-062, and IMGN901 currently in clinical trials, targeting varied antigens and bearing different linker and drugs, contribute to the learning curve of ADC, as do the discontinued ADC. Current challenges include improvement of the therapeutic index, linked to a careful selection of the targets, a better understanding of ADC mechanism of action, the management and understanding of ADC off-target toxicities, as well as the selection of appropriate clinical settings (patient selection, dosing regimen) where these molecules can bring highest clinical benefit.
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137
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Abstract
Toxin payloads, or drugs, are the crucial components of therapeutic antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs). This review will give an introduction on the requirements that make a toxic compound suitable to be used in an antitumoral ADC and will summarize the structural and mechanistic features of four drug families that yielded promising results in preclinical and clinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan Anderl
- Heidelberg Pharma GmbH, Ladenburg, Germany
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138
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Abstract
Currently, the most widely used chemical methodology for the conjugation of drugs to monoclonal antibodies involves either lysine or cysteine residues. In this chapter, several methods for the preparation of antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) through conjugation of drugs to solvent-exposed ε-amino groups of lysine residues are described. These methods apply to various cytotoxic agents, both tubulin binders and DNA-targeting agents and different types of linkers, cleavable or not, peptidic or disulfide-based, for example.
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139
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Huang Z, Xu J. Efficient synthesis of N-protected 1-substituted homotaurines from a xanthate and olefins. Tetrahedron 2013. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tet.2012.11.074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
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140
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Drake PM, Rabuka D. Antibody-Drug Conjugates: Can Coupling Cytotoxicity and Specificity Overcome Therapeutic Resistance? RESISTANCE TO TARGETED ANTI-CANCER THERAPEUTICS 2013. [DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4614-7654-2_10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
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141
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Synthesis of site-specific antibody-drug conjugates using unnatural amino acids. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2012; 109:16101-6. [PMID: 22988081 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1211023109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 445] [Impact Index Per Article: 37.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) allow selective targeting of cytotoxic drugs to cancer cells presenting tumor-associated surface markers, thereby minimizing systemic toxicity. Traditionally, the drug is conjugated nonselectively to cysteine or lysine residues in the antibody. However, these strategies often lead to heterogeneous products, which make optimization of the biological, physical, and pharmacological properties of an ADC challenging. Here we demonstrate the use of genetically encoded unnatural amino acids with orthogonal chemical reactivity to synthesize homogeneous ADCs with precise control of conjugation site and stoichiometry. p-Acetylphenylalanine was site-specifically incorporated into an anti-Her2 antibody Fab fragment and full-length IgG in Escherichia coli and mammalian cells, respectively. The mutant protein was selectively and efficiently conjugated to an auristatin derivative through a stable oxime linkage. The resulting conjugates demonstrated excellent pharmacokinetics, potent in vitro cytotoxic activity against Her2(+) cancer cells, and complete tumor regression in rodent xenograft treatment models. The synthesis and characterization of homogeneous ADCs with medicinal chemistry-like control over macromolecular structure should facilitate the optimization of ADCs for a host of therapeutic uses.
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142
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Monoclonal antibody therapeutics: history and future. Curr Opin Pharmacol 2012; 12:615-22. [PMID: 22920732 DOI: 10.1016/j.coph.2012.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 263] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2012] [Revised: 07/25/2012] [Accepted: 08/06/2012] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Over the last three decades, monoclonal antibodies have made a dramatic transformation from scientific tools to powerful human therapeutics. At present, approximately 30 therapeutic monoclonal antibodies are marketed in the United States and Europe in a variety of indications, with sales in the US alone reaching approximately $18.5 billion in 2010. This review describes how antibody engineering has revolutionized drug discovery and what are considered the key areas for future development in the monoclonal antibody therapy field.
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143
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Stack GD, Walsh JJ. Optimising the delivery of tubulin targeting agents through antibody conjugation. Pharm Res 2012; 29:2972-84. [PMID: 22777294 DOI: 10.1007/s11095-012-0810-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2012] [Accepted: 06/11/2012] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Despite their side effect profile, there currently remains a heavy reliance on traditional cytotoxics and particularly tubulin targeting agents in cancer chemotherapy. To address this concern, significant progress has been made in the selective delivery of drugs to the tumour site. This review will examine the published data in support of the hypothesis that forming antibody conjugates of tubulin targeting agents is an effective approach towards their more effective delivery to the tumour site. Particular emphasis will be placed on the diversity of concepts under investigation, the efficacy of resultant conjugates, evidence of decreased resistance and the side effect profiles of the conjugates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gary D Stack
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland
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144
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Abstract
INTRODUCTION Over a half a century ago, radiolabeled antibodies were shown to localize selectively in tissues based on the expression of unique antigens. Antibodies have since become the de facto targeting agent, even inspiring the development of non-antibody compounds for targeting purposes. AREAS COVERED In this article, we review various aspects of how antibodies are transforming the way cancer is being detected and treated, with the growing demand for unconjugated and many new antibody conjugates. While unconjugated antibodies continue to garner most of the attention, interest in new antibody drug conjugates and immunotoxins has expanded over the past few years. However, there continues to be active research with new radioimmunoconjugates for imaging and therapy, particularly with α-emitters, as well as antibody-targeted cytokines and other biological response modifiers. EXPERT OPINION The increasing number of new agents being developed and tested clinically suggests that antibody-targeted compounds will have an expanding role in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- David M Goldenberg
- Center for Molecular Medicine and Immunology, 300 The American Road, Morris Plains, NJ 07950, USA
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145
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Abstract
Antibody conjugates are a diverse class of therapeutics consisting of a cytotoxic agent linked covalently to an antibody or antibody fragment directed toward a specific cell surface target expressed by tumor cells. The notion that antibodies directed toward targets on the surface of malignant cells could be used for drug delivery is not new. The history of antibody conjugates is marked by hurdles that have been identified and overcome. Early conjugates used mouse antibodies; cytotoxic agents that were immunogenic (proteins), too toxic, or not sufficiently potent; and linkers that were not sufficiently stable in circulation. Investigators have explored 4 main avenues using antibodies to target cytotoxic agents to malignant cells: antibody-protein toxin (or antibody fragment-protein toxin fusion) conjugates, antibody-chelated radionuclide conjugates, antibody-small-molecule drug conjugates, and antibody-enzyme conjugates administered along with small-molecule prodrugs that require metabolism by the conjugated enzyme to release the activated species. Only antibody-radionuclide conjugates and antibody-drug conjugates have reached the regulatory approval stage, and nearly 20 antibody conjugates are currently in clinical trials. The time may have come for this technology to become a major contributor to improving treatment for cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beverly A Teicher
- Division of Cancer Treatment and Diagnosis, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA.
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146
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Zhao RY, Erickson HK, Leece BA, Reid EE, Goldmacher VS, Lambert JM, Chari RVJ. Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of Antibody Conjugates of Phosphate Prodrugs of Cytotoxic DNA Alkylators for the Targeted Treatment of Cancer. J Med Chem 2012; 55:766-82. [DOI: 10.1021/jm201284m] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Robert Yongxin Zhao
- ImmunoGen,
Inc., 830 Winter Street, Waltham, Massachusetts
02451, United States
| | - Hans K. Erickson
- ImmunoGen,
Inc., 830 Winter Street, Waltham, Massachusetts
02451, United States
| | - Barbara A. Leece
- ImmunoGen,
Inc., 830 Winter Street, Waltham, Massachusetts
02451, United States
| | - Emily E. Reid
- ImmunoGen,
Inc., 830 Winter Street, Waltham, Massachusetts
02451, United States
| | | | - John M. Lambert
- ImmunoGen,
Inc., 830 Winter Street, Waltham, Massachusetts
02451, United States
| | - Ravi V. J. Chari
- ImmunoGen,
Inc., 830 Winter Street, Waltham, Massachusetts
02451, United States
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147
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Antibody–Drug Conjugates for Targeted Cancer Therapy. ANNUAL REPORTS IN MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY 2012. [DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-396492-2.00023-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register]
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